Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) is set to mark its 15th anniversary this year with a vibrant celebration from Sept 7-15, featuring a range of screenings, events, and awards that spotlight both local and international cinema.From Sept 7-14, film enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse mix of genres during the Cinebalu screenings of 29 international and local films, at the City Cineplex, City Mall, here. Audiences will experience everything from action and animation to cultural documentaries and experimental films, catering to various tastes.One of the festival’s highlights is New Zealand High commissioner and the Mentor would be talking about these Red,white and Brass film made in New Zealand who will showcase during the festival’s Opening Night at 8pm.
Festival Director Jude Day expressed excitement about this year’s line-up, particularly the inclusion of international talents. “We are thrilled to bring such a diverse range of genres and talents to KKIFF 2024,” she told a press conference on Thursday, encouraging the public to visit the festival website for the complete schedule.A notable feature is the screening of “Unbroken Ties”, a film from Myanmar that explores the journey of an orphan, Min, who seeks a new life abroad, only to uncover hidden truths about his past.This year, KKIFF has also partnered with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to introduce a new Pink10 Filmmakers’ Competition category, Explore Sabah. This category encourages filmmakers to submit short films of three minutes or less, with the winning entry to be featured in STB’s 2025 advertising campaign.
This new category is in addition to the existing categories of Narrative, Documentary, and a category sponsored by the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) for Indigenous Language. Category winners will be awarded the prestigious Golden Kinabalu Award and RM3,000 during the KKIFF Awards Night.From Sept 8-15, KKIFF will host the fully funded eight-day Sabah Film Lab (SFL) at Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu.Eighteen Malaysian filmmakers will receive training from renowned mentors, including Isazaly Isa, Putri Purnama Sugua, Ahmad Yazid (Malaysia), Hikaru Toda (Japan), Mark Overett (Australia), and Roy Taoho (New Zealand).
on KKIFF.com website.
The evening will celebrate the achievements of filmmakers and the Sabah Film Lab participants. It will feature local businesses and networking opportunities.Day said KKIFF remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant film community in Sabah, supporting the arts, and showcasing cinematic talent from across the globe. “Its 15th-anniversary edition promises to be the most memorable yet, celebrating the festival’s rich history while looking ahead to the future of cinema,” she said.* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the lat
For more information and to buy tickets, go to: cinebalu.kkiff.com or contact Rendall 016 8497160. Special arrangements are available for groups.
For more information: Jude – 014 3514298; Jasmine – 017 8212132 www.kkiff.com / fb gokkiff / info@kkiff.com
